As we have learned recently, it is so important to make space. To enjoy our time. To give ourselves some breathing room. So, as we welcome the 1st Day Summer and start to tackle the longer sun filled days we want to challenge the Herd to slow down this summer?

Why slow down? The days are getting longer and warmer and everyone seems to be in a better mood. Sometimes all this extra time and energy leads to more… more work, more obligation, more travel, more gatherings, etc.

And, because as women we are conditioned to do so, we try to cram it all in and make the most of the more. This just leaves us all exhausted, overwhelmed and not in the right head space to welcome growth or fun experiences. That is why we are calling for a slow down to really enjoy the beauty of summer.

Our five tips to achieve a Summer slow down From now until September, lets make the summer feel long, lazy, and relaxing. As much as we would like to we can’t take a 3-month vacation, but we can make the most of our summer by making some intentional choices.

1. Be mindfulRemember as kid when your summer went by SO FAST? Days seemed to run into one another, and vacation seemed to slip by in a flash. Don’t accept that now – become more mindful. Observe and appreciate your surroundings. Take an extra moment to be grateful for the warm days, the sunshine still there welcoming you after a long day at work.

2. Be present How often do we allow our minds to be someplace other than where we are? Taking time away from work but our supposedly 'off' time gets robbed as we worry or think about the office. Reality can pull us away at times but if we work to catch ourselves in an unnecessary moment of 'inattention' we can go from tuned out to tuned in – our rewarded will be more moments that we truly wouldn't want to miss this summer.

3. Be selective with your timeThink about how you’d like to spend your time. There are 15 weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. How will you make the most of each of them? Ask yourself: when this summer is over, what will make me feel content with my summer?

4. UnplugIf you want to make the most of lovely summer evenings, leave your phone at home. Seriously, leave home without it and see how it changes everything about how your experience. Or if that idea causes your heart to race, leave the phone inside the pool bag…on silent. Trade constant connection, Googling and checking social post for an opportunity of genuine connection to the people and world around you.

5. Welcome surprise Regardless of what you plan or what you intend, part of slowing down and enjoying the summertime is allowing yourself to let go of plans and goals. Cut yourself some slack. And, if an opportunity arises take it. Go make some memories.

So, how will you spend your time this summer? Don't let it go by in a flash. Be intentionally, decide to take steps to make it count. Linger, engage, appreciate and soak up the summer moments. They will keep us warm once that winter hits.